Yet there are also trees and thorny weeds in the garden, which may hurt a person.

Yet there are also trees and thorny weeds in the garden, which may hurt a person. The earth from which flowers emerge nourishes weeds as well." Huda listened attentively, and then said, "Thorns cause one to bleed, and weeds hinder the growth of blossoms." "It isn't always so," replied Tuqa. "Hopes and disappointments follow each other in turn. This is a natural law of life.

However, great one's sufferings are, one still hopes for the dawn which follows even the darkest night." In a weary voice, Huda said, "But this dark night may be so long that it causes one to lose hope." "You can counter feelings of hopelessness by having true faith in Allah's help and guidance. A life of hardship is of no value if one forgets about Allah and His Compassion.

Master yourself, and you can direct your thoughts and actions towards the right path." "But some things are beyond a person's control and cause pain and disappointment," Huda persisted. "Still", said Tuqa, "Disappointment is not in itself evil. If a believer has strong faith, a new door opens when another is closed. Never give up hope.” Tears formed in Huda's eyes and she said, “I don't know.

Perhaps Allah has sent you to save me from my despair.” Tuqa recited a verse from the Holy Qur'an: “...and despair not of Allah's Mercy; surely none despairs of Allah's Mercy except the unbelievers” (Yusuf, 12:87) Then Tuqa stood up, saying it was time for her to leave in order to reach home and perform the evening prayer. Huda begged her to stay a little longer and suggested that they pray together.

After praying, they resumed their discussion and Tuqa reminded Huda of the Qur'anic verse: Do people think they will be left alone saying: We believe, and not be tried? And certainly we tried those before them so Allah will certainly know who are true and He will certainly know the liars. (Al-Ankabut, 29:2, 3) Tuqa added, “I all that we experience during our brief lifetimes prepares our soul to control itself through using good will.

Some losses are considered to be disasters while, in fact, they are disguised blessings. A calamity which disrupts a happy life may be a means to crystallize thoughts and can direct a person towards faith in Allah and obedience to His orders." "My dear friend Tuqa, I thought that I was a good believer in Almighty Allah, but I was about to fall apart." Tuqa firmly stated, “Faith will defeat earthly concerns through submission to Allah and acceptance of His Will.

Failures can teach us many useful lessons.